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DS Vicky Dodds #2
Tooth and Claw
[NOTE: Previously published as SNARED. This edition contains significant editorial revisions.]
Meet Vicky Dodds. Single mother, commitment-phobe, Detective Sergeant.
The disappearance of a Dundee-based dog breeder, sets DS Dodds and her team on a desperate hunt through the city and the surrounding Tayside.
But soon other crimes are committed, with clear signs of escalation, and as the perpetrators' message becomes clearer, Vicky begins to question where her own sympathies lie.
From the acclaimed author of the DI Fenchurch series, Tooth & Claw is an unyielding police procedural that fearlessly examines the uncomfortable grey areas between right and wrong.
Meet Vicky Dodds. Single mother, commitment-phobe, Detective Sergeant.
The disappearance of a Dundee-based dog breeder, sets DS Dodds and her team on a desperate hunt through the city and the surrounding Tayside.
But soon other crimes are committed, with clear signs of escalation, and as the perpetrators' message becomes clearer, Vicky begins to question where her own sympathies lie.
From the acclaimed author of the DI Fenchurch series, Tooth & Claw is an unyielding police procedural that fearlessly examines the uncomfortable grey areas between right and wrong.
388 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 2014
601 people are currently reading
725 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
December 23, 2016
When you read a lot of crime and police procedurals you hope for something different every single time you delve, Ed James did not disappoint this seasoned reader. He has a new fan in me and I have taken too long to find his talent.
Snared, for me had so many things going for it from the tight plot with it's disturbing yet different theme and crime pattern to the characters, setting and overall sense of tension. It's a long book and that always worries me if it can hold me without my interest wavering, I need not have worried, I was immersed all the way through and it was a book I came back to very quickly.
Vicky Dodds—single mother, commitment-phobe, Detective Sergeant—is adding Dundee, Scotland to the Tartan Noir map.
When a dog breeder in and around Dundee disappears, DS Dodds and her team are tasked with finding out who is behind the attacks.
But as the crimes escalate, and the attacker’s message becomes clearer, Vicky begins to question where her own sympathies lie.
DS Vicky Dodds is now a favourite book character for me and a fantastic female crime character.I really did not take long to like her, admire her and loved the elements of light and shade her personality offers. She is so darn human and I loved that. She is on the tail of a strange series of crime events that gradually begins to reveal a pattern, and a disturbing one at that.
Ed James has used a lot of imagination in creating some of these crime scenes and it made for some fantastic edgy reading. Nothing like dealing with some messed up individuals. The book keeps you guessing as it throws up a number of suspects and you may find yourself fluctuating on "whodunnit" like I did. I like it that I was thrown back and forth a bit. I found some of the best writing in the darker elements of the book and could see that Ed James could have pushed those even further but perhaps at the risk of alienating some fans who don't want TOO much over the top visual images left in their minds, maybe I am just hardened?
The first chapter reels you in, very well done and it sets the tone for what is to come. Throw in great dialogue, fantastic descriptions of the local region of Dundee in Scotland and what goes down there and you have a wining book in my opinion. Ed has himself a new fan waving the flag of "hurrah" and I will be happily eager to read much more.
Snared gets 5 stars from me without a doubt, a highly recommend book for all those crime and police procedural fans out there.
Thanks so much to Ed James for a copy of this fantastic book in exchange for an honest and professional book review.
For more of my reviews, books to win and author features: https://www.facebook.com/BookloverCat...
To follow me on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/promotethatbook
Snared, for me had so many things going for it from the tight plot with it's disturbing yet different theme and crime pattern to the characters, setting and overall sense of tension. It's a long book and that always worries me if it can hold me without my interest wavering, I need not have worried, I was immersed all the way through and it was a book I came back to very quickly.
Vicky Dodds—single mother, commitment-phobe, Detective Sergeant—is adding Dundee, Scotland to the Tartan Noir map.
When a dog breeder in and around Dundee disappears, DS Dodds and her team are tasked with finding out who is behind the attacks.
But as the crimes escalate, and the attacker’s message becomes clearer, Vicky begins to question where her own sympathies lie.
DS Vicky Dodds is now a favourite book character for me and a fantastic female crime character.I really did not take long to like her, admire her and loved the elements of light and shade her personality offers. She is so darn human and I loved that. She is on the tail of a strange series of crime events that gradually begins to reveal a pattern, and a disturbing one at that.
Ed James has used a lot of imagination in creating some of these crime scenes and it made for some fantastic edgy reading. Nothing like dealing with some messed up individuals. The book keeps you guessing as it throws up a number of suspects and you may find yourself fluctuating on "whodunnit" like I did. I like it that I was thrown back and forth a bit. I found some of the best writing in the darker elements of the book and could see that Ed James could have pushed those even further but perhaps at the risk of alienating some fans who don't want TOO much over the top visual images left in their minds, maybe I am just hardened?
The first chapter reels you in, very well done and it sets the tone for what is to come. Throw in great dialogue, fantastic descriptions of the local region of Dundee in Scotland and what goes down there and you have a wining book in my opinion. Ed has himself a new fan waving the flag of "hurrah" and I will be happily eager to read much more.
Snared gets 5 stars from me without a doubt, a highly recommend book for all those crime and police procedural fans out there.
Thanks so much to Ed James for a copy of this fantastic book in exchange for an honest and professional book review.
For more of my reviews, books to win and author features: https://www.facebook.com/BookloverCat...
To follow me on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/promotethatbook
December 12, 2015
Author Ed James has crafted an outstanding suspense thriller with "Snared", featuring a new protagonist, DS Vicky Dodds. Dodds a single mother of 4 year old Bella has been tasked with refocusing an egotistical DC Stephen Considine stationed at her local precinct. The first crime the pair are called out on is a horrific crime scene. A man and women are naked, locked in a cage and covered with feces. The stiff collared Dodds is methodical in her investigation of this disgusting crime. Progress being non existent is worsened by a video of crime popping up on You-Tube. I.T. expert Zoe is calling in to lend support. It seems a radical animal rights terrorist group called "Animal Rites" may be behind the crime. When a store manager of a bird store, Graeme Christie, is found one cold, rainy morning chained to the front door of his store, the pressure to crack the case intensifies. The terrorism intensifies with each new crime by this group. The police brass want suspects, and answers immediately. Seemingly the pair have suspects but no way to pin them together with these crimes. By now the police precinct in an uproar. They must match the suspects to these crimes, and fast !.... Adding to the misery is the kidnapping of a local bioscience business CEO's 13 year old son. Seems the bad guys are smarter than the police. But relentless Dodds doesn't wilt. Packed with some really intense suspense, "Snared", is another gem from author Ed James. Stoic DS Vicky Dodds dealing with a slew of personal issues, is able to manage a little romance during the crime spree. With some really nice references to the film 'Reservoir Dogs', and my favorite author Ian Rankin, this book packs a really good punch. Author James' characters never fail to delight. Intense and gritty dialog help make the characters unique. Hopefully DS Vicky Dodds will have additional books to internally agonize through. A very quick read, "Snared" flies through it's some 500 pages, while engaging reader to keep thinking "just one more chapter" ! Thoroughly enjoyable reading gives this effort 5 stars out of possible 5 stars . Highly recommended- So grab, "Snared", for an adventure of incredible suspense. Also, do yourself a favor. If you haven't already read any of author Ed James "Scott Cullen" series of thrillers you're missing out. Enjoy these thrillers, would I lead you wrong ? Of course not !
May 24, 2015
I haven't heard of this author before, so I threw myself into this one, I love dogs.
I love Scotland, used to go there for holidays when young with my family.
The two combined should make for a good read, that and some investigation, drama and intrigue.
What I lived were the short chapters which made is seem that I was reading faster, I know that sounds odd, but you try it.
A dog breeder has vanished under very mysterious circumstances and that is where Vicki Dodds a single Mother Detective Sergeant, very committed to her job, comes into play.
Her child doesn't get lost among her job, she has a vast network to keep her child amused and when she is with her, they have a great relationship.
Vicki is on the team who has been appointed to look into this vanishing of this dog breeder, as more comes to light, there are other things that are tying in and all is not looking good.
Two 'prisoners' who were kidnapped return to tell a tale. It seems that there are some not happy with the breeding. Its not just dogs though, a bird handler is brutalized, it now seems its not just some sort of 'dog animal rights' thing, its more about ANIMALS in general and someone has taken offense to anything to do with animals being [or seemingly being] miss treated.
Its a hot book of debate this one, I think it would make a good reading group/discussion book as sometimes you tend to be leaning towards the 'baddies' in this book, and realize that the 'baddies' may not be the ones attacking the humans.
Loved it.
Thank you to this author Ed James for a fantastic thoughtful read and to Thomas & Mercer for my copy
March 24, 2015
Note: I was given an ARC by the author in exchange for an honest review
The first in a promising new series, Snared follows DS Vicky Dodds investigating the mysterious disappearance of a dog breeder. She soon learns this is just one in a string of crimes by an animal rights group and their crimes are escalating. With a full slate of suspects, very little evidence and only a detective's hunch, Vicky has her work cut out for her.
Really great plot; red herrings, plot twists, and a good pace that kept you turning pages. I thought I had a pretty good idea who were the baddies but no, I was wrong. DS Dodds is a realistic, well-rounded character, one that you can root for, smart, feisty and not without fault.
A great start to the series and I can't wait for the next!
Also, Tartan Noir would make a great name for a kilt wearing goth band.
The first in a promising new series, Snared follows DS Vicky Dodds investigating the mysterious disappearance of a dog breeder. She soon learns this is just one in a string of crimes by an animal rights group and their crimes are escalating. With a full slate of suspects, very little evidence and only a detective's hunch, Vicky has her work cut out for her.
Really great plot; red herrings, plot twists, and a good pace that kept you turning pages. I thought I had a pretty good idea who were the baddies but no, I was wrong. DS Dodds is a realistic, well-rounded character, one that you can root for, smart, feisty and not without fault.
A great start to the series and I can't wait for the next!
Also, Tartan Noir would make a great name for a kilt wearing goth band.
May 18, 2015
A very solid 9/10 from me. My thanks to the Publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review.
Like most if not all of Ed James's books this one is set in Scotland. This is a standalone from the Cullen series of books, but I would like to see a follow up to it to see what has happened to Vicky Dodds.
Vicky Dodds is a single mother, she is also a Detective Sergeant and is committed to her job, she finds it hard juggling the child care and relies heavily on her Mum, who has been their before as her Husband also worked for the Police. Her daughter Vicky is definitely a chip off the old block.
As the story begins a Dog Breeder has disappeared and Vicky is part of the team that have been appointed to deal with this crime. As other crimes begin to happen, a common thread begins to appear and several suspects come to light. Are the Police dealing with the same people or is there a larger group of people involved?
Told in very short chapters, the reader is soon hooked and you find yourself reading just one more chapter, followed by another and another. It's a very addictive style of writing that several Authors have successfully adapted to suit their work.
Vicky is surrounded by a great network of work colleagues, friends and her Parents. Most of who are willing her to find a love interest. As the story progresses she has several that appear, but can she trust them where her daughter is concerned. To go into more detail would possibly spoil the story, which is not what I wish to do as I hate spoilers in reviews.
I really enjoy Ed James's stories and told with enough procedural detail without bogging the reader down, interspersed with dialogue and at times a certain amount of humour.
I will wait with baited breath to see if we get a follow up to Snared.
Like most if not all of Ed James's books this one is set in Scotland. This is a standalone from the Cullen series of books, but I would like to see a follow up to it to see what has happened to Vicky Dodds.
Vicky Dodds is a single mother, she is also a Detective Sergeant and is committed to her job, she finds it hard juggling the child care and relies heavily on her Mum, who has been their before as her Husband also worked for the Police. Her daughter Vicky is definitely a chip off the old block.
As the story begins a Dog Breeder has disappeared and Vicky is part of the team that have been appointed to deal with this crime. As other crimes begin to happen, a common thread begins to appear and several suspects come to light. Are the Police dealing with the same people or is there a larger group of people involved?
Told in very short chapters, the reader is soon hooked and you find yourself reading just one more chapter, followed by another and another. It's a very addictive style of writing that several Authors have successfully adapted to suit their work.
Vicky is surrounded by a great network of work colleagues, friends and her Parents. Most of who are willing her to find a love interest. As the story progresses she has several that appear, but can she trust them where her daughter is concerned. To go into more detail would possibly spoil the story, which is not what I wish to do as I hate spoilers in reviews.
I really enjoy Ed James's stories and told with enough procedural detail without bogging the reader down, interspersed with dialogue and at times a certain amount of humour.
I will wait with baited breath to see if we get a follow up to Snared.
April 9, 2015
**i was kindly given an ARC copy by NetGallery for an honest review, so here goes**
I really enjoyed this. Having just recently got in James's Cullen series (I read all books available back-to-back) I was pleasantly surprised to find that his new book had a different type of lead character. Dodds is not as gung-ho as Cullen and quite a bit more methodical. I liked her relationship with her colleagues and she read as being someone that you could get along with.
I would have liked to have known a bit more about her background but hopefully that will come out in future stories. Written in short chapter style (quite like James Patterson's Private series) made the story flow along easily & kept you wanting to read more. The story had many plot twists & kept you guessing right up until the end I look forward to reading further adventures of DS Vicky Dodds, but am left wondering, does one of Ed James's characters always have to have a moan about not being made a DS? ;o)
Great stuff & thoroughly recommend it
I really enjoyed this. Having just recently got in James's Cullen series (I read all books available back-to-back) I was pleasantly surprised to find that his new book had a different type of lead character. Dodds is not as gung-ho as Cullen and quite a bit more methodical. I liked her relationship with her colleagues and she read as being someone that you could get along with.
I would have liked to have known a bit more about her background but hopefully that will come out in future stories. Written in short chapter style (quite like James Patterson's Private series) made the story flow along easily & kept you wanting to read more. The story had many plot twists & kept you guessing right up until the end I look forward to reading further adventures of DS Vicky Dodds, but am left wondering, does one of Ed James's characters always have to have a moan about not being made a DS? ;o)
Great stuff & thoroughly recommend it
April 30, 2015
This grabs you from page one and from then onwards the police are investigating a series of revenge crimes involving animal rights. This is first book I have read by Ed James and I found his writing style to be different and refreshing.
For instance, there's a lot of dialogue which flows so naturally that the reader gets to know the characters quickly through this. The main character, DS Vicky Dodds, is a person that you can easily warm and relate to.
There is no rationale from the criminal's point of view and you have the information at the same time as the Police and through the dialogue they have when considering what action(s) to take next.
This is fast paced and the action does not let up - right to the end. It is clever writing because there are times when you have empathy for the animals but you can't condone the action of the animal rights terrorists.
"Snared" will keep your attention throughout - It's superb.
For instance, there's a lot of dialogue which flows so naturally that the reader gets to know the characters quickly through this. The main character, DS Vicky Dodds, is a person that you can easily warm and relate to.
There is no rationale from the criminal's point of view and you have the information at the same time as the Police and through the dialogue they have when considering what action(s) to take next.
This is fast paced and the action does not let up - right to the end. It is clever writing because there are times when you have empathy for the animals but you can't condone the action of the animal rights terrorists.
"Snared" will keep your attention throughout - It's superb.
May 21, 2015
With a well-balanced blend of police procedure and detail of the protagonist's private life, this latest entry in the ‘tartan noir‘ genre is a huge success. The novel is a long one, but was for me a quick read – aided I think by the author’s use of short chapters.
At the end of the day it is the premise of abusing the abusers which makes this novel stand out from its contemporaries and makes “Snared” a memorable debut to what I hope will be a long and successful series.
For my complete review please visit my blog: Fictionophile
At the end of the day it is the premise of abusing the abusers which makes this novel stand out from its contemporaries and makes “Snared” a memorable debut to what I hope will be a long and successful series.
For my complete review please visit my blog: Fictionophile
May 8, 2015
So far I read four books in the Scott Cullen series which I liked a lot. Therefore I gave the first book in a new series a try.
What satisfying read. a great plot, good pace, realistic characters and a main character with self-doubt trying to fulfil her own expectations which she sometimes do not really know.
I appreciated a lot that the reader does not know more than the main character DS Vicky Dodds.
I thought I identified the bad guys quite early but that turned out to be totally wrong.
I want more DS Vicky Dodds.
What satisfying read. a great plot, good pace, realistic characters and a main character with self-doubt trying to fulfil her own expectations which she sometimes do not really know.
I appreciated a lot that the reader does not know more than the main character DS Vicky Dodds.
I thought I identified the bad guys quite early but that turned out to be totally wrong.
I want more DS Vicky Dodds.
November 22, 2025
Quality McCrime
Very dark but very enjoyable Dundee based crime fiction. Kept me guessing (and kept me awake much longer than I should have been). Another winner from Ed James.
Very dark but very enjoyable Dundee based crime fiction. Kept me guessing (and kept me awake much longer than I should have been). Another winner from Ed James.
May 12, 2015
**I was provided an ARC of this book by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
I have read all of Ed James's previous books and really enjoyed all of them. This one is no different!
"Snared" gives us a new police detective to love, DS Vicki Dodds. She is a character that you can truly like: hard-working, single mom who tries to balance work, her child, and dating.
The mystery itself is also fantastic. A dog breeder goes missing, a farmer and his family are terrorized, a bird handler is brutalized. What do these people have in common and why would they be targeted? The author provides tons of viable suspects and keeps you guessing until the very end.
Some of the scenes in this book may be a little difficult to read if you are an animal lover, but are very eye-opening and vital to the story.
Ed James has another winner on his hands!
I have read all of Ed James's previous books and really enjoyed all of them. This one is no different!
"Snared" gives us a new police detective to love, DS Vicki Dodds. She is a character that you can truly like: hard-working, single mom who tries to balance work, her child, and dating.
The mystery itself is also fantastic. A dog breeder goes missing, a farmer and his family are terrorized, a bird handler is brutalized. What do these people have in common and why would they be targeted? The author provides tons of viable suspects and keeps you guessing until the very end.
Some of the scenes in this book may be a little difficult to read if you are an animal lover, but are very eye-opening and vital to the story.
Ed James has another winner on his hands!
May 1, 2015
I requested this book from Netgallery because it was set in Dundee. I’m really glad I did.
The action revolves around a gang of ‘animal lovers’ determined to make the punishment for animal cruelty fit the crime. The main character of DS Vicky Dodds is an interesting one, indeed all the characters are well drawn and believable. I am hoping there will be more books about them.
The story moves at a good pace & the climax of the book kept me reading far too late.
It will appeal to those who enjoy police procedural books. I would definitely give it five stars.
The action revolves around a gang of ‘animal lovers’ determined to make the punishment for animal cruelty fit the crime. The main character of DS Vicky Dodds is an interesting one, indeed all the characters are well drawn and believable. I am hoping there will be more books about them.
The story moves at a good pace & the climax of the book kept me reading far too late.
It will appeal to those who enjoy police procedural books. I would definitely give it five stars.
July 20, 2015
Good read
Liked the plot, liked the main character. Do not understand why there is such an emphasis on "she must have a man" to be a complete person. It would be so refreshing if the author would just let her be a strong woman who, like everyone else has occasional doubts about the course of her life. Otherwise the book was interesting and enjoyable.
Liked the plot, liked the main character. Do not understand why there is such an emphasis on "she must have a man" to be a complete person. It would be so refreshing if the author would just let her be a strong woman who, like everyone else has occasional doubts about the course of her life. Otherwise the book was interesting and enjoyable.
April 13, 2015
Another quality read from Ed James,if you've read the Cullen books you can't fall to enjoy the first Vicky Dodds book
May 24, 2015
Nice read
It was an engaging book and I'm looking forward to the next one, less grossness maybe, the fat took too much
It was an engaging book and I'm looking forward to the next one, less grossness maybe, the fat took too much
July 17, 2020
Excellent!!
Very well written police procedural. Fast paced and enjoyable with likable characters. Ed James is a talented writer and I recommend this series.
Very well written police procedural. Fast paced and enjoyable with likable characters. Ed James is a talented writer and I recommend this series.
May 13, 2025
This is book two in the DS Vicky Dodds series. The novel begins with the disappearance of a dog breeder, but once DS Dodds looks into her disappearance it becomes clear she has been targeted by animal rights activists. The dog breeder is only the tip of the iceberg as soon other people connected to animal cruelty start to disappear and each person is treated worse than the last until someone is eventually murdered. Can DS Dodds find the vigilante group behind all of this, or will someone else die before she can figure out who is behind it all?
I found the plot of this book much more interesting than that of book one. I liked the animal rights element as I felt it was different to plots in a lot of crime novels and it was executed well. There were so many elements to the case which made it exciting. I found the longer chapters focusing on the protagonist and her petulant daughter a bit distracting though and wish they’d been shorter as it took away from the excitement of the case.
While I enjoyed the main plot line, I’m still struggling to connect with the characters. I like the protagonist, but none of the other characters are reeling me in. For example, you can tell the author is male as some of the things some of the female characters say and do wouldn’t be seen in a book written by a woman. It’s either a bit crass or cringe and I have to quickly skim past them. I hope this will change as the series progresses as it takes the enjoyment out of the book.
Overall, a good storyline but I need to have a bit more if I’m going to fully invest myself in this series.
I found the plot of this book much more interesting than that of book one. I liked the animal rights element as I felt it was different to plots in a lot of crime novels and it was executed well. There were so many elements to the case which made it exciting. I found the longer chapters focusing on the protagonist and her petulant daughter a bit distracting though and wish they’d been shorter as it took away from the excitement of the case.
While I enjoyed the main plot line, I’m still struggling to connect with the characters. I like the protagonist, but none of the other characters are reeling me in. For example, you can tell the author is male as some of the things some of the female characters say and do wouldn’t be seen in a book written by a woman. It’s either a bit crass or cringe and I have to quickly skim past them. I hope this will change as the series progresses as it takes the enjoyment out of the book.
Overall, a good storyline but I need to have a bit more if I’m going to fully invest myself in this series.
October 3, 2017
(I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.)
Vicky Dodds—single mother, commitment-phobe, Detective Sergeant—is adding Dundee, Scotland to the Tartan Noir map.
When a dog breeder in and around Dundee disappears, DS Dodds and her team are tasked with finding out who is behind the attacks.
But as the crimes escalate, and the attacker’s message becomes clearer, Vicky begins to question where her own sympathies lie.
*2.5 stars*
I will keep this review short and sweet.
Good mystery novel, spoiled somewhat by the incessant to go over Vicky's love life. Who cares if she is single? Who cares if she doubts some choices she made? Stop harping on it! Really dragged down a story that was so promising.
I hope that this stops in any future novels...
Paul
ARH
Vicky Dodds—single mother, commitment-phobe, Detective Sergeant—is adding Dundee, Scotland to the Tartan Noir map.
When a dog breeder in and around Dundee disappears, DS Dodds and her team are tasked with finding out who is behind the attacks.
But as the crimes escalate, and the attacker’s message becomes clearer, Vicky begins to question where her own sympathies lie.
*2.5 stars*
I will keep this review short and sweet.
Good mystery novel, spoiled somewhat by the incessant to go over Vicky's love life. Who cares if she is single? Who cares if she doubts some choices she made? Stop harping on it! Really dragged down a story that was so promising.
I hope that this stops in any future novels...
Paul
ARH
May 1, 2015
Although I have several of this author's other series on my Kindle, this was the first book of his that I have actually read - too many books, not enough time! But after having finished this, I am definitely bumping the rest up my TBR.
It is your basic bulk standard Police Procedural but, that said, it is a great example of one. There are some brilliant characters both within the Police Force and outside it. They are all individuals and carry their own personal stories but these in no way detract from the overall storyline. I especially loved the banter between them. Especially the geographic insults!
The story is quite a gritty one - several previously unrelated not-too-serious crimes start to form a pattern when they get more serious and violent and Vicky and her colleagues are then in a race against time save an innocent life. Animal rights, Vigilantism and the Dark Web all feature quite prominently. Most of the suspects appear to be withholding the truth and it is up to Scotland's Finest to work out what secrets they are keeping and which of them are involved in the crimes.
I have no idea re the real workings of a Police Investigation apart from my reading of copious books but to my uneducated eyes, the investigation was handled very realistically. I especially liked the dead ends that they kept hitting and the u-turns that I would imagine are plentiful in a real-life criminal investigation.
The book moved at a good pace. I finished it within a couple of days. The language used is easy to follow, the descriptive parts (especially some wonderful ones of the local areas around where the book is set) added nicely to the storyline and I especially liked the short punchy chapters.
As I have already said, I will definitely be reading more from this Author, Quite amazed and embarrassed that I haven't already.
I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
It is your basic bulk standard Police Procedural but, that said, it is a great example of one. There are some brilliant characters both within the Police Force and outside it. They are all individuals and carry their own personal stories but these in no way detract from the overall storyline. I especially loved the banter between them. Especially the geographic insults!
The story is quite a gritty one - several previously unrelated not-too-serious crimes start to form a pattern when they get more serious and violent and Vicky and her colleagues are then in a race against time save an innocent life. Animal rights, Vigilantism and the Dark Web all feature quite prominently. Most of the suspects appear to be withholding the truth and it is up to Scotland's Finest to work out what secrets they are keeping and which of them are involved in the crimes.
I have no idea re the real workings of a Police Investigation apart from my reading of copious books but to my uneducated eyes, the investigation was handled very realistically. I especially liked the dead ends that they kept hitting and the u-turns that I would imagine are plentiful in a real-life criminal investigation.
The book moved at a good pace. I finished it within a couple of days. The language used is easy to follow, the descriptive parts (especially some wonderful ones of the local areas around where the book is set) added nicely to the storyline and I especially liked the short punchy chapters.
As I have already said, I will definitely be reading more from this Author, Quite amazed and embarrassed that I haven't already.
I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 22, 2015
Once I got into this book I found it hard to put down and sat up too late to get to the end. I enjoyed the police characters and their dialogue. The procedures and the office politics seemed real. At the end of the book I found myself wanting to solve other cases with DS Vicky.
On the slight down side I felt that the book could have done with a bit more plot editing. The crimes kept escalating. My personal view is that they escalated too far, though I'm sure others would disagree with me. I would have cut the incidents down from about six to four because it seemed to become a bit "more of the same" about three-quarters way through.
This was my first Ed James. I was pleasantly surprised and will certainly read more.
On the slight down side I felt that the book could have done with a bit more plot editing. The crimes kept escalating. My personal view is that they escalated too far, though I'm sure others would disagree with me. I would have cut the incidents down from about six to four because it seemed to become a bit "more of the same" about three-quarters way through.
This was my first Ed James. I was pleasantly surprised and will certainly read more.
May 13, 2015
This is not so much a review as a thank you to Ed James. I have read some 20 books this year and I have enjoyed most if not all of them. However I was delighted when Snared appeared in my kindle as I had forgotten that I had pre-paid for it some time ago.
Well this was a new set of characters and an edge that I have not noticed in Ed's books before. And I was totally engrossed! A great story which is well written and a narrative arc that is really well crafted. Thank you Ed, this is my favourite book of the year.
Well this was a new set of characters and an edge that I have not noticed in Ed's books before. And I was totally engrossed! A great story which is well written and a narrative arc that is really well crafted. Thank you Ed, this is my favourite book of the year.
January 10, 2016
I made it to 61% before deciding that I won't read any more. For this to be described as a police procedural I would expect a better knowledge of police procedures and indeed of Scots Law. Arrests are being made without evidence and arrested persons held for way too long. I would overlook this if I actually liked any of the characters but I do not. I reached the point where I realised I was reading just to finish the book and not because I had any interest in knowing who was responsible so I will move on to something else.
May 12, 2015
Goodreads win. Will read and review once received.
This was one of those books that I grabbed my attention from the first page to the very end. I really thought the main character was an interesting person. The story moved at a good pace and I was at the edge of my seat wanting to know what would happen next. I could see myself reading this book again in the future. Also, I could see myself reading other books by the author.
This was one of those books that I grabbed my attention from the first page to the very end. I really thought the main character was an interesting person. The story moved at a good pace and I was at the edge of my seat wanting to know what would happen next. I could see myself reading this book again in the future. Also, I could see myself reading other books by the author.
May 23, 2015
Thanks to Goodreads, I had an opportunity to read a real interesting story. The characters were great and the plot very unusual. The story centers around animal activists who take things one step too far. Thanks Goodreads and Ed James. In addition to winning the book, I had an nice experience with the story.
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October 15, 2016This is the second book I have read from Ed James. Both the first in a series and I was really impressed with this one as well.
Centres around DS Vicky Dodds and her life as Policewoman and single mum.
Really gritty read and a thoroughly enjoyable story regarding cruelty to animals and the consequences thereafter.
A well balanced and thoughtful book , looking forward to reading more.
Centres around DS Vicky Dodds and her life as Policewoman and single mum.
Really gritty read and a thoroughly enjoyable story regarding cruelty to animals and the consequences thereafter.
A well balanced and thoughtful book , looking forward to reading more.
November 18, 2018
A police procedural set in Dundee sees radical animal rights activists carrying out high profile actions for maximum publicity. Like many of the Scottish police books by Ed James, the dialogue and the banter between the police characters is great. The plot was a little weak in this first book in a new series.
May 6, 2015
Overall I thought this book was pretty good. I liked the characters and it had a good sense of place. I did think the climax was not how police would actually proceed in that situation. I hope it is the beginning of a series.
May 11, 2015
another 5* book by Ed James, really looking forward to reading more about DS Dodds
February 16, 2016
Great read
Couldn't get enough of this book!!! Absolutely loved it. One of those books that I didn't want to end.......and they don't come around often!
Couldn't get enough of this book!!! Absolutely loved it. One of those books that I didn't want to end.......and they don't come around often!
October 5, 2016
Very enjoyable story, well written and paced, keeping you guessing as to who is guilty. Any novel that mentions the Singles film and soundtrack goes up in my estimation.
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